After decades of dedicated service, the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce announces it will conclude its management of the Visitor Center located at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals in Spruce Pine.
The Chamber has proudly managed the Visitor Center as a cornerstone of its tourism department,
welcoming thousands of visitors annually and serving as a vital hub of information and hospitality for travelers and residents alike. Over the years, the Visitor Center has become a treasured resource in the community, offering not only tourism guidance but also promoting the region’s heritage and natural beauty. However, with the recent transition of occupancy tax revenues and the associated responsibilities for tourism and visitor experiences to the newly established Mitchell County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), the Chamber no longer receives the funding necessary to operate the Visitor Center. The tourism occupancy tax, once administered through the Chamber, is now directed entirely to the TDA, effectively shifting the county’s tourism operations and mission to the new entity. “This Visitor Center has been a labor of love for the Chamber for many years,” said Nikki Presnell, Co- President of the Mitchell Chamber Board of Directors. Although this chapter is ending for the Chamber, we are committed to seeing the Visitor Center continue. We have formally reached out to the Tourism Development Authority to encourage them to take over its management so that the services and community presence continues, and we have also offered to continue operating it on their behalf, should they choose.”
The Chamber’s transition away from direct tourism operations reflects the broader structural change within the county’s tourism landscape. With the TDA now leading efforts to develop and promote tourism, the Chamber is focused on continuing its work in economic development, small business support, and community advancement. “The Visitor Center is an important asset to Mitchell County,” added Bill Slagle, Director of the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission. “We are hopeful that the Tourism Development Authority will take on its management and continue the strong tradition of welcoming and serving our guests. This facility represents a valuable link to our area’s natural and cultural story, and it’s essential we preserve
it.” The Chamber remains optimistic that the Visitor Center will continue to thrive under new leadership and stands ready to support a smooth transition to ensure its future success.
For more information about the Visitor Center or the Chamber’s continued efforts to support Mitchell County’s growth and development, please contact the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce at (828)-9033 or visit www.mitchellcountychamber.org.
